MDE Announces 2018 State Teacher of the Year, Administrator of the Year Finalists

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced this week the finalists for the 2018 Administrator of the Year and the 2018 Teacher of the Year.

The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program honors an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, employs exemplary leadership practices and participates as an active member of the community. The recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend and will share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education in the state.

Likewise, the Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will receive a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

Mississippi’s 2018 Administrator of the Year and the 2018 Teacher of the Year will be announced on April 13, 2018, beginning at 11 a.m., at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson.

Note: Click on each educator’s name below to download a high-resolution photo.

Administrator of the Year Finalists

Congressional District 1 Finalist: Bradley Roberson, Principal
Oxford High School, Oxford School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mr. Roberson believes that “the lives of young people and the well-being of their communities, state, and country are too valuable for failure to be an option.”

Congressional District 2 Finalist: Kathleen Grigsby, Principal
Davis Magnet Elementary School, Jackson Public School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Dr. Grigsby believes that “educators must desire to reach and lead each child to his or her maximum potential through a whole child approach.”

Congressional District 3 Finalist: Charles Frazier, Principal
Brandon High School, Rankin County School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Dr. Frazier believes that “education is the foundation by which we build our successes in life and teaching is how we ensure the educational system is sustainable.”

Congressional District 1 Finalist: Whitney Drewrey, Teacher
(3rd – 5th grade Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound students)
Lafayette Upper Elementary School, Lafayette School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Drewrey believes that “all students can learn if given the appropriate environment and they need to be nurtured in order to see growth.”

Congressional District 2 Finalist: Malaika Quarterman, Teacher, (4th – 12th grade Theatre/Arts)
Power Academic Performing Arts Complex (APAC), Jackson Public School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Mrs. Quarterman believes that “her mission for every class is to transform each scholar’s book knowledge and understanding of academic material into a personal reflective work of art that will fuel their desire to learn more.”

Congressional District 3 Finalist: Jana Comer, Teacher
(8th grade English/Language Arts)
Brandon Middle School, Rankin County School District
Personal Philosophy Snapshot: Ms. Comer believes that “all students deserve a secure learning environment where the development of a growth mindset and the concept of being a lifelong learner are fostered.”